Egypt Discovery
ExcursionCairo

Sakkara & Memphis Half-Day Tour from Cairo

Morning or afternoon pickups from central Cairo hotels, guided by our Egyptologist to Sakkara's Step Pyramid and ancient Memphis, entrance fees included.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour is a half-day private guided excursion to Saqqara and Memphis near Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural
  • Photography

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Half day (approximately 5 hours)
Travel style
Private Guided Tour
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Saqqara · Memphis
Includes
Your own Egyptologist guide · Air-conditioned vehicle for your private use · Approximately 5 hours of guided sightseeing · Cairo pickup and drop-off on request · Entrance fees payable separately · Pyramid interior and premium tomb tickets excluded
Best for
First-time Cairo visitors · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Travellers with limited time · Families seeking a private visit
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are generally milder and walking conditions at open sites are easier. In summer, mornings and late afternoons are preferable because midday temperatures can be high; Ramadan and major public holidays may affect traffic, opening hours, and overall pacing.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The excursion includes a qualified private Egyptologist guide.
  • A private air-conditioned vehicle is included.
  • The tour is arranged as a private excursion rather than a large coach group.
  • Site entrance fees are stated as excluded and payable on arrival.

02Overview

A first look

By mid-morning the Saqqara plain smells of dust and wild thyme, and Djoser’s stepped profile reads clearly against the sky. Expect close-up views of sun-baked limestone, low mastaba tombs and narrow paved causeways, with time to examine carved reliefs and take photographs without the rush of a larger group.

Our Egyptologists explain the architectural innovations and social context that produced the necropolis, and we arrange pickup from central Cairo or a nominated meeting point so your vehicle is waiting. We do not run large coach excursions; instead this private, compact visit is paced for questions and close inspection.

Background

The facts

Saqqara lies about 30 km south of central Cairo and served as the main necropolis of ancient Memphis, the capital of Egypt in the Old Kingdom. The site is most closely associated with the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built in the 27th century BCE for Pharaoh Djoser and widely regarded as the earliest large-scale cut-stone monument in Egypt. The plateau also contains later tombs and mastaba chapels from different periods of Egyptian history.

Memphis, located close to the modern village of Mit Rahina and roughly 24 km from Saqqara, was one of the principal cities of ancient Egypt from around 3100 BCE onwards. The open-air museum there displays surviving monuments from the city, including the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. These remains reflect Memphis’s long role as a political and religious centre near the apex of the Nile Delta.

A typical private excursion from Cairo to Saqqara and Memphis uses an air-conditioned vehicle and is generally timed for morning or late afternoon to reduce exposure to midday heat. The visit usually takes around five hours, depending on traffic in Greater Cairo and the amount of time spent at each site. Entrance to the standard archaeological areas is usually included, while special site access, if requested, should be checked in advance.

Because this is a half-day archaeological outing, the pace is usually lighter than a full-day Giza or museum itinerary. Travellers usually move between the two sites by road with short drives and guided walking at the monuments, making it suitable for visitors who want a focused introduction to Old Kingdom and New Kingdom material culture without a long excursion.

Named in this entry

Saqqara·Memphis·Mit Rahina·Djoser’s Step Pyramid·Djoser·Ramses II·Alabaster Sphinx·Cairo·Old Kingdom·Memphis and its Necropolis

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This is suitable for adults and older children who are interested in ancient Egyptian archaeology, Old Kingdom history, and monument architecture. It also suits travellers with limited time in Cairo who prefer a private, flexible schedule rather than a large coach tour.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another excursion if you need step-free access or plan to use a pushchair throughout the archaeological sites. Travellers wanting a full-day exploration of Saqqara or several pyramid interiors may prefer a longer itinerary.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser with our Egyptologist; included entry and two-hour guided exploration.
  • 02See the open-air museum at Memphis (Mit Rahina): colossal Ramses II statue and alabaster sphinx included.
  • 03Depart central Cairo around 08:00 to avoid traffic; Saqqara is approximately 30 kilometres south of central Cairo.
  • 04Includes bottled water and private air-conditioned car; walking on uneven stone and short stairs expected.
  • 05Part of the UNESCO 'Memphis and its Necropolis' listing; we explain the 1979 inscription and archaeological significance.
  • 06We run the tour as a private half-day, not a large coach group, allowing flexible stops.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • See the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built during the Old Kingdom.
  • View the Ramses II statue and Alabaster Sphinx at Memphis.
  • Private Egyptologist commentary can follow your group's interests.
  • Flexible pacing avoids the fixed schedule of large coach groups.

Things to Consider

  • Uneven archaeological surfaces limit pushchair use.
  • Outdoor sites offer limited shade in the midday heat.
  • Entrance fees and premium tomb tickets are extra.
  • Short walks still involve standing during guided explanations.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Large coach excursions follow a shared group schedule. We arrange this visit privately, with an Egyptologist and pacing adjusted to your group.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Approximately five hours on a guided excursion
  • Your own Egyptologist guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for your private use

Not included

  • Site entrance fees, payable on arrival
  • Tickets for pyramid interiors and premium tombs, where applicable
  • Food and beverages
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver
  • Personal expenses and optional extras

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask your Egyptologist to explain how Saqqara’s mastaba tombs relate to the development of Djoser’s pyramid complex.

  2. 02

    At the Memphis museum, allow time to view both the Ramses II statue and the Alabaster Sphinx rather than focusing on one display.

  3. 03

    Choose morning or late-afternoon departure to avoid the hottest part of the day.

  4. 04

    Wear shoes with a firm sole for walking around the archaeological sites.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The private format allows the Egyptologist to adjust the pace and commentary to your group's interests, with morning or late-afternoon departures typically available. Pyramid interior tickets and premium tomb entrances are not included, so ask in advance whether any optional tickets can be arranged for your visit.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This half-day excursion fits alongside time in central Cairo, with the Egyptian Museum or the Giza Plateau as separate visits. It pairs naturally with a wider Cairo itinerary rather than replacing time at Giza.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum age is 2 years for this excursion; younger children may join at our discretion if parents accept full responsibility. Strollers are generally impractical at Sakkara and Memphis because of uneven surfaces and steps, so we recommend a baby carrier for toddlers. Child seats are available if requested in advance and subject to availability. Each child has their own seat, so transport, the guide and meals cost the same as for an adult whatever their age. Site entry is free for under-6s and full price from 6.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup, central Cairo hotelsMap

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Imhotep MuseumRight here
  • Memphis Open-Air Museum3 km
  • Dahshur10 km
  • Giza Plateau25 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Visit Saqqara and Memphis in one private half day

  2. 02

    Adjust the pace to your group's interests

  3. 03

    Choose a morning or late-afternoon departure

·In summary

Saqqara is about 30 km south of central Cairo and was the principal necropolis of ancient Memphis. The Step Pyramid of Djoser dates to around the 27th century BCE, while the Memphis open-air museum displays the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour?
    The tour is a half-day excursion, typically lasting three to four hours. Pickup and return from central Cairo usually add travel time; traffic can affect the total duration. We confirm exact timings when you book and can offer a morning or afternoon start where available.
  2. 02What sites will we visit on this tour?
    You visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Sakkara and the archaeological remains of ancient Memphis. At Sakkara you'll see Old Kingdom mastabas and funerary structures; at Memphis the site includes the Colossus of Ramesses II and the remains of the alabaster sphinx. Unlike full-day Cairo itineraries that try to include Giza, this half-day concentrates on Sakkara and Memphis only.
  3. 03Are entrance fees included?
    Standard site entrance fees for Sakkara and Memphis are included in the tour price. Extra charges–such as entry to pyramid interiors, premium tombs, or any optional museum exhibitions–are not included unless stated on your confirmation. We list any additional fees on your booking confirmation.
  4. 04Can we enter the Step Pyramid of Djoser?
    Interior access to the Step Pyramid of Djoser is possible but limited and not guaranteed. Entry often requires a separate ticket and can be closed for conservation or capacity reasons. The internal passages are narrow with uneven stone steps and may be unsuitable for guests with claustrophobia or significant mobility issues.
  5. 05Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
    The tour involves walking on uneven stone, steps and loose sand, which can challenge young children and those with limited mobility. We can adjust the pace and shorten time on site if you tell us at booking, but wheelchair access is limited around the ancient monuments. Expect some short uphill or stepped sections at Sakkara.
  6. 06What should I bring and wear for the Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour?
    Bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable closed walking shoes, bottled water, and modest clothing for temple areas. Carry a light layer for cooler mornings or winter, your passport or a copy for ticketing, and small Egyptian pounds for tips or purchases. There is limited shade on site and strong sun in summer.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-CAI-103027

You Might Also Like

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis & Grand Egyptian Museum Day TourCairo

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis & Grand Egyptian Museum Day Tour

This private full-day tour covers the Giza Plateau (Khufu Pyramid exterior), the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, ancient Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologist accompanies every departure. We offer the Khufu Pyramid interior as an optional extra rather than including it by default. Unlike large coach excursions, we schedule longer stops at Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum for meaningful viewing time. Expect security checks, museum queueing at peak times, crowded viewpoints at the Giza Plateau, and uneven ancient stone underfoot. Hotel pick-up in Cairo is included; travel to Giza is typically 30–45 minutes (20–25 km) depending on traffic. Note: Due to the duration of this tour, this tour is on request only and subject to attraction opening times at the date of planned travel.

From £145

Pyramids & Sphinx Half Day Tour, Giza PlateauCairo

Pyramids & Sphinx Half Day Tour, Giza Plateau

This private half‑day visits the Giza Plateau to view Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure pyramids plus the Great Sphinx. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide a licensed Egyptologist, a private air‑conditioned car and hotel pickup in Cairo. Typical duration is three to four hours with flexible morning or afternoon starts to avoid heat and crowds. We do not include the Khufu pyramid interior by default; the interior ticket is optional and at extra cost because the crawl inside is narrow and not suitable for everyone. Unlike large coach runs, our private format keeps walking focused and gives you direct return to your hotel. Cons: limited shade, uneven ancient stone and possible peak‑hour traffic.

From £59

Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Day Tour Cairo

Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Day Tour

We operate this full‑day Cairo programme on the ground as Discovery Tours Egypt, licensed by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETAA). Our licensed Egyptologists guide you across the Giza Plateau to view the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, bring you close to the Great Sphinx and then escort you through the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) to the Tutankhamun galleries and major displays. We include comfortable air‑conditioned transfers, hotel pickup and drop‑off for central Cairo & Giza hotels, bottled water and a set lunch. Practical notes: there is limited shade on the Giza Plateau and the tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone; pyramid internal access and some premium GEM experiences are not included.

From £110